Fire-damaged school rebuilds

Sonora Elementary School’s Building F, heavily damaged in a November fire, has been demolished.

The building — which housed classrooms for fourth- and fifth-graders — sat for months while insurance claims and bids went through. It was razed over the weekend.

The job was completed by Rockin R Grading and Excavating for $67,000.

The next step, according to school district Superintendent Leigh Shampain, involves testing soil under the 40-year-old building as part of new safety standards in planning the new building. The work is expected to commence this week.

In addition to an earthquake-resistant foundation, the new structure will be coated in a flame-retardant paint.

For the complete story, see the April 1, 2014, edition of The Union Democrat.